Multi-centre holidays in Oman

When you visit Oman you'll quickly realise that the country has a lot to offer, which is why it makes sense to book a multi-centre tour of the nation. From its cities and desert to its coast and islands, there are many different sides to this vibrant and fascinating place.

It's sensible to start your trip in the capital city of Muscat, where you can discover some of Oman's history and take excursions into the desert. The city also has a thriving modern side to it, with plenty of high-end accommodation, shops and excellent restaurants for you to visit.

From here, head to the southern province of Dhofar, which is home to charming coastal towns like Salalah. This region has its own microclimate that makes it much greener than other parts of the country, while it also boasts a selection of beautiful beaches.

For the ultimate holiday in Oman, book a tailor-made trip that will ensure you don't miss out on any of the sights you want to see.

Discover Oman's cities and its coast

Muscat is the capital of Oman and where you'll find a fascinating blend of old and new. As well as modern shops and houses, Muscat is home to several old forts, walled castles and other ancient buildings that display beautiful architecture from years gone by.

Wandering around Muscat is a real pleasure, as this gives you the opportunity to discover its old markets and winding streets, as well as marvel at its more modern buildings and pretty gardens. Just outside the city there is also a lot to discover, from Oman's mountains and sand dunes to its beaches.

After a few days in Muscat, it's worth heading to Salalah and fully enjoying Oman's stunning coastline. You can have a go at a host of water-based activities here, including kite surfing, scuba diving and sailing. The waters are also home to whales and turtles, both of which you can observe from a boat.

Your tour of Oman should also include a visit to where frankincense is grown, with this incense once having been an incredibly important commodity for the country.

Visit Oman and the Indian Ocean

Although Oman is a fantastic holiday spot in its own right, it's also a wonderful option for a stopover on your journey to a destination in the Indian Ocean. Stopping in the Middle East for a few days or even a week is an excellent way to break up the journey and prevent you from feeling overly tired when you touch down for your holiday on an island paradise.

Multi-centre holidays featuring Indian Ocean destinations could see you pair your time in Oman with a break in the likes of the Seychelles, the Maldives, Mauritius or Sri Lanka - all wonderful options if you're looking for rest and relaxation.

It's also great to be able to contrast Oman's culture with that of another country, as this will highlight how unique and fascinating the destination is, allowing you to get even more out of your trip.

Top Indian Ocean destinations to pair with Oman

There are some wonderful destinations in the Indian Ocean that you can easily reach from Oman after an extended stop. The following are what I believe to be the top four - here I've given you a bit of information about each to help you make a decision about where to go next:

The Maldives — Known for its high-end resorts, luxurious, isolated beaches and fantastic scuba diving, the Maldives is the perfect place to visit whether you want some R and R in the sun or are keen to get active and explore stunning coral reefs.

Mauritius — Another place with luxury accommodation and striking scenery, Mauritius is a haven for travellers looking for peaceful beaches, as well as those who enjoy getting out and about. Its mountainous interior provides a striking backdrop to the coast, as well as offering numerous opportunities for hiking. Scuba diving and surfing are just two of the water sports you can try here, too.

The Seychelles — This picture-perfect archipelago boasts some of the world's prettiest, most secluded beaches, as well as a good selection of outstanding hotels. Its national parks - particularly Vallee de Mai - are a delight to explore and only add to its exotic ambience. Snorkelling and diving are great things to try along the coast if you can drag yourself away from the white sands.

Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination that combines the stunning beaches of the Indian Ocean with a fascinatingly rich culture and history. This small island is renowned for its amazing heritage sites and breathtaking national parks. It really is an outstanding all-round place to explore after your holiday in Oman.

Oman News

Hilton Worldwide has announced that it has signed a management agreement with the Muscat National Development and Investment Company to open the first Hilton-branded hotel in Muscat, Oman. Hilton Garden Inn Muscat - Al Khuwair will be located just 20 minutes from the main airport, and it will have 232 guest rooms and suites, as well as a fitness centre, restaurants, bar and business amenities.

Wanderlust recently compiled a list of the best attractions in Oman, including its ancient historic sites and its natural beauty. Muscat, the capital city, offers a wide range of museums and galleries as well as beautiful architecture. Elsewhere in the country, visitors can explore forts, Bronze Age tombs, and the role of frankincense in Oman’s history.

Oman Air has added a brand new Boeing B737-800 aircraft to its expanding fleet. The new aircraft will be used on both short and medium haul routes, and will have business and economy class options and a total of 162 seats. The new aircraft launched last month during a flight between Seattle and the U.S and Muscat, the capital of Oman, and it is the latest addition to the fleet which includes a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.